Rodenberger-Gray Funeral Home

Laura L. Norden, 104, of Napoleon, Ohio passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on December 5, 2023, at Northcrest Nursing Home. She was born in Holgate, Ohio on December 26, 1918, to the late Fredrick and Clara (Mahlman) Schroeder. On February 3, 1944, Laura married Melvin J. Norden at St. John's Lutheran Church, Holgate. Laura was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Napoleon Township. She helped run the farm with Melvin and take care of the dairy cows. Laura liked to fish and enjoyed baking for the family. In her spare time, she made wonderful quilts and crocheted. Laura loved being surrounded by her family. She is survived by her daughter, Marlene Norden; daughter-in-law,...

Doris Ann Zumfelde, 85, of Napoleon, Ohio died peacefully on Thursday, November 30th, 2023 at her residence surrounded by her family. She was born December 10, 1937 in Hamler, Ohio to the late Louis and Mathilda (Gerken) Bergstedt. Doris was a 1955 graduate of Napoleon High School. Two weeks later, on June 19th, 1955, she married the love of her life, Eldon Zumfelde at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Napoleon, Ohio. Doris worked as a secretary at Nationwide Insurance District Office for over 27 years. She was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Napoleon, Napoleon American Legion Auxiliary, and the local Low German Club. She volunteered as an Election Poll Worker and for the Red Cross...

Hector Manuel Sifuentes Sr., 81, of Napoleon, Ohio passed away at his home on November 27, 2023. He was born in Saltillo, Mexico on October 20, 1942 to the late Manuel and Dora (Bazaluas) Sifuentes. Hector married Brigida Flores on April 28, 1964 in Misson, Texas. Hector was a member of St. Augustine Catholic Church and was employed by Johns Manville for 39 years before retiring. He worked hard to provide for his family, who were his pride and joy. Hector especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren. In his spare time, he liked to work in his garden growing his hot peppers. Hector is survived by his wife Brigida; children, Hector Jr. (Juana) Sifuentes, Bob Sifuentes, Sally...

Deborah Ann Knape (Conlon), 74, formerly of Birmingham, MI, died Nov. 22 in Columbus, Ohio. Debby was born June 25, 1949 in Louisville, KY, the second of Edward and Ruth Conlons' three daughters. She grew up in Bay Village, OH, where she excelled in school and proudly cheered as a member of the Bay High Rockettes. She met her husband, Conrad Knape, while attending Wittenberg University in Springfield, OH, where she was a member of Delta Gamma sorority. Married in 1970, they raised four children, Jeffrey, Jennifer, Christopher and Alexander. Jenny's death from leukemia in 1980 changed Debby in ways that were impossible to measure. She hid her grief by tending to an immaculate home, caring...

James Allan Durham, 83, of Napoleon, Ohio passed away peacefully at his residence on Wednesday, November 22nd, 2023 with his family by his side. Jim was born August 20, 1940 in Napoleon, Ohio to the late Albert "EP" and Rosalie (Trautmann) Durham. He was a 1958 graduate of Florida High School. He served in the United States Army from 1961-1963. Jim was a lifelong farmer and when he was younger helped construct grain silos. He was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Flatrock Twp. and regularly visited St. Paul Lutheran Church, Napoleon, Ohio. He enjoyed bowling and was an avid baker and most of all, he enjoyed spending time on the farm. He is survived by his daughter, Tammy Durham;...

Merlin "Duke" Busch, 84, formally of Paulding, Ohio received his heavenly wings on Tuesday November 14, 2023 at 9:15pm surrounded by his loving family at home. He was born at home on July 6, 1939 in Malinta, Ohio to the late Merlin Busch and Eileen Eisaman. He graduated from Malinta High School in 1957. In 1960, he proudly enlisted in the United States Navy and served his country for 4 years. He married the love of his life and forever soulmate, Connie Sue Rohdy on June 3, 1961 in Malinta at Trinity Lutheran Church. In 1964, he received an honorable discharge from the Navy and started working at General Motors in Defiance, Ohio, as an Industrial Electrician until his retirement in 1989. He...

Sherry Jan Joseph, 85, of Napoleon, Ohio passed away on Sunday, November 12, 2023 at CHP Defiance Inpatient Hospice. She was born on March 4, 1938 in Bluffton, Ohio to the late Oliver and Avonelle (Amstutz) Zimmerman. On December 31, 1955, she married Lester Joel Joseph at her parent's home in Bluffton. Sherry worked for the Napoleon City Schools as a custodian while she raised her family. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church, Napoleon, where she was very active with the youth and Sunday school. Sherry enjoyed working with the Girl Scouts and helped Lester with the Boy Scouts. She enjoyed doing puzzles, reading, and sewing in her spare time. Sherry liked being outside and enjoyed...

Michael Lee Aschemeier, 69, of Defiance, Ohio passed away at CHP Defiance Inpatient Hospice on November 9, 2023. He was born in Napoleon, Ohio on January 15, 1954, to the late Harold and Helen (Rohrs) Aschemeier. Mike was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Napoleon Township. Mike was a lifelong farmer and truck driver, most recently for the Ridgeville Elevator. He enjoyed fishing, camping, and collecting toy John Deere tractors. Mike supported the 4H program as a Junior Fair Advisor and was instrumental in re-establishing the turkey project at the Henry County Fair. He loved to go to tractor pulls and competed in the Rymo lawn mower pulls. Mike is survived by his longtime loving...

Jim's Celebration of Life has been rescheduled for Saturday, November 18th from 2-8 PM. Rodenberger-Gray Funeral Home, Napoleon

NAPOLEON ? James Charles Reimond, 75, of Napoleon, Ohio, passed away peacefully at his home, on Tuesday, November 7, 2023. He was born in Napoleon, Ohio on January 12, 1948, to the late Dura and Amy (Woodard) Reimond. On September 10, 1966, he married Darlene Kay Rhoads at St. Paul Lutheran Church, McClure, Ohio. Jim worked for the Campbell Soup Company, retiring after 42 years. He loved being outside and taking care of the farm. Jim was a kind and gentle man, who was always the first to help someone in need. He enjoyed fast cars and watching his westerns on TV. Jim was a total family man who wanted his family close and enjoyed their time together. His huge heart and sense of humor will be...

Gene Arthur Crawford, 86, of Napoleon, Ohio died peacefully on Thursday, October 26th, 2023 at CHP Defiance Area Inpatient Hospice Center with his wife by his side. Gene was born June 24th, 1937 in Napoleon, Ohio to the late Mearl and Lauretta (Plotts) Crawford. On February 15, 1959 he married Phyllis (Hoff) Crawford at St. John United Church of Christ, Holgate. Gene was a 1955 graduate of Napoleon High School and served in the United States Army National Guard. He has been a grain farmer for over 55 years. Gene was a member of St. John UCC Church, Henry County Farm Bureau, and Ohio Farm Bureau. He enjoyed polka dancing and line dancing with his wife, Phyllis. He is also survived by...

Douglas LeRoy Hoffman, (80), of Napoleon, Ohio, died while riding his bicycle Saturday morning, October 21, 2023. We found him resting peacefully in the grass with his bicycle parked nearby. He was born on January 15, 1943 to Clement and Louise (Rabe) Hoffman. Douglas taught school in the Anthony Wayne School District for 32 years and retired in 2001. He loved to bike ride, maintain his yard, and teach his kids and grandkids all kinds of amazing skills. He enjoyed helping people with many things, especially with their Apple products. He is survived by his wife, Judith (Fischer) Hoffman, and three children, Deborah (Bruce) Monnin of Minster, OH, Joan (Thomas) Drobnak of Olmsted...

Terry R. Lacy, 75, of Napoleon, Ohio died peacefully on Thursday, October 19, 2023 at his residence with his family by his side. He was born June 5, 1948 in Zanesville, Ohio to the late Edwin and Mary Kay (Robison) Lacy. In 1976, Terry met the love of his life, Diana, and they were married on December 27, 1977. Terry graduated from Ohio Northern University where he studied education and was a kicker on the football team. From 1971-1972, he served in the United States Army receiving honorable discharge from the military. When he moved to Northwest, Ohio, Terry worked at Landmark before moving to Sauder Manufacturing and retiring after 20 years. Terry was a member of Emanuel Lutheran Church,...

NAPOLEON ? Stephen Richard Schwiebert, 68, of Napoleon, Ohio, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family on Thursday, October 12, 2023. He was born in Napoleon on December 20, 1954, to the late Richard and Wilma (Haase) Schwiebert. On November 15, 1974, he married Julie Anne Westhoven at St. Augustine Catholic Church, Napoleon. Steve was a 1973 graduate of Napoleon High School and furthered his education at Northwest Technical College. He worked as a Safety Director at several trucking companies and retired from Spader Freight Service in 2023. Steve was a member of St. Augustine Catholic Church and served as the financial secretary for the Knights of Columbus, where he was...

Hildegard Martha Cordes, 95, of Napoleon, Ohio passed away on Thursday, October 5, 2023. She was born in Defiance County, Ohio on October 27, 1927, to the late George and Freida (Panning) Aschemeier. On November 17, 1950, Hildegard married Weldon Cordes at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Napoleon Township. She was a lifelong member of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Napoleon Township, where she enjoyed the ladies quilting circle. Hildegard also enjoyed crocheting and sewing. She and Weldon were a team when it came to working the farm and in their spare time, they enjoyed polka dancing together. Hildegard liked to cook and bake for the family gatherings and then play cards and have a beer...

Dennis Dale Meyer, 72, of Ridgeville Corners, Ohio, died unexpectedly on Tuesday, September 26, 2023, at his residence. He was born on July 26, 1951, to Maynard H. and Lucille Anna (Otte) Meyer. He was baptized, confirmed, and was a current member of Zion Lutheran Church in Ridgeville Corners. He graduated in the last graduating class from Ridgeville Corners in 1969 and earned a bachelor's degree in political science from Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois. Denny is survived by his siblings: Douglas Meyer (Patricia) of State College, PA, David Meyer (Kirsten), and Diann Meyer-Grieser (Todd) of Ridgeville Corners; nephew, Brice (Tracy) Meyer; and great-nephew, Barrett, and...

James Frederick Helmke, 79, of Defiance, Ohio passed away on Monday, September 18, 2023, at Vancrest of Holgate. He was born in Defiance, on January 31, 1944, to the late Henry and Anna (Leaders) Helmke. Jim was baptized at St. Peter Lutheran Church on February 14, 1944, by Rev. FWG Mueller and on March 30, 1958, he was confirmed also at St. Peter by the Rev. L J Rausch. He was a 1962 graduate of North Richland-Adams High School. On February 4, 1967, Jim married Norma Jean Degler at Emanuel Lutheran Church, Napoleon, Ohio. Jim was a member of St. Peter Lutheran Church, Florida, Ohio and proudly served his county in the US Army. He was a lifelong farmer, working alongside his son-in-law,...

Derek Lee Meyer, 50, of Napoleon, Ohio passed away unexpectedly on September 5, 2023. He was born in Bowling Green, Ohio on August 28, 1973 to Jerry Meyer and the late Karen (Flew) Schilt. On September 4, 2010, he married Amy Buenger in Liberty Center, Ohio. Derek was an avid fan of the Ohio State Buckeyes, Miami Dolphins, and the Detroit Tigers. He built car ramps and wooden lamps in his spare time. Harlee, his special fur baby, was always by his side. Derek loved his children and enjoyed following their activities. Derek is survived by his wife, Amy; son, Benjamin; father, Jerry (Donna) Meyer; siblings, Keli (Jay) Navarre, and Craig (Laurie) Meyer; sister-in-law, Angie (Alex)...

Encil Leigh ReBeau, 78, of Napoleon, Ohio passed away on September 2, 2023. He was born on the family farm in Flatrock Township, Henry County, Ohio on October 27, 1944 to the late Leigh and Iona (Durham) ReBeau. On December 6, 1969, he married Barbara Fuhrhop at St. John Lutheran Church, Freedom Township. Encil was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Napoleon, where he served as an usher. He proudly served his country in the US Air Force. Encil was a Henry County Sherrif's Deputy for nearly 25 years earning the rank of Sergeant. He started Northwest State College Police Department and worked security for the college. He was a member of the Lions Club for 40 years, and the Napoleon...

Jeffrey John Ludeman, 80, of Napoleon, Ohio passed away on Sunday, August 27, 2023 at Defiance Inpatient Hospice. He was born on January 16, 1943 in Napoleon, Ohio to the late Albert "Casey" and Harriette (Ferguson). On May 8, 1971, Jeffrey married Sandra Magill at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Napoleon. Jeff proudly served his country in the US Army as a Military Policeman and was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Napoleon. He worked for General Motors for over 57 years. Jeff loved animals and spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. Jeff is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Sandy; grandson, Brandon Jackson; and great grandchildren, Sylis and Kyler Jackson. In...

Marie E. Miller, 97, of Napoleon, Ohio passed away on Monday, August 7, 2023. She was born in Ridgeville Township, on June 24, 1926, to the late Martin and Annettie (Kruse) Brandt. On July 7, 1946, Marie married Kenneth O. Miller at St. John Lutheran Church, Stryker. Marie was a member of St. John Lutheran Church, Stryker, where she served on the Ladies Aide Committee. She was a lifelong farmer who worked beside her husband, Kenneth, planting, plowing, and working the ground. It was not uncommon to see her driving a tractor or truck, then later fixing a big meal to feed the family. Marie enjoyed her flower gardens, sewing and working on jigsaw puzzles. She enjoyed collecting recipe books...